Past events
Previous alumni, stakeholder, and supporter events delivered within our Teesside community.
Nov
18
2025
In Conversation . . . Steph McGovern & Adele Parks
Broadcaster Steph McGovern and writer Adele Parks MBE took centre stage to share insights into their careers and answer questions from the audience.
Middlesbrough born Steph, who received an Honorary Doctorate from Teesside University in 2013, has more than two decades of experience in journalism and broadcasting. She joined the event while promoting her debut novel Deadline.
She was accompanied by fellow Honorary Graduate Adele Parks, one of the UK’s most prolific novelists. Originally from Eaglescliffe, Adele has written 24 bestselling novels, selling over six million copies worldwide, with her work translated into 31 languages.
Sep
17
2025
Alumni Digital Life Tour
A small group of Alumni were welcome back on to campus to have a tour of the brand-new Digital Life Building, an innovative research, teaching and learning facility for our School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, demonstrating our commitment to a responsible and sustainable digital future.
Jun
06
2025
Alumni Volunteer Awards 2025
Hosted online for the first time, the Alumni Volunteer Awards 2025 were a way for Teesside to recognise, thank and celebrate the many graduates who volunteer their time and expertise, and who do so much to support Teesside.
Nov
21
2024
In Conversation . . . George Clarke
George Clarke is an award-winning architect, designer, and TV presenter, best known for Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. He studied at Newcastle University and UCL, and received an Honorary Doctor of Arts from Teesside University in 2023. George runs businesses in design, construction, and property, and founded the charity MOBIE to inspire young people to design sustainable homes.
A passionate advocate for quality housing, he supports the Prince’s Foundation and Shelter, and actively campaigns to address the global housing crisis.
Nov
15
2024
2024 Alumni and Partners Reception
An evening of networking and refreshments with Teesside University alumni, partners and friends. Hosted by Dr. Warren Harrison, Pro Vice-Chancellor of International at Teesside University, the event was a great opportunity to hear from our graduate speakers, get updates on the latest TU news and take part in informal networking.
Jun
21
2024
Beyond the Book ... with Richard Milward
The Beyond the Book series took place in the newly refurbished Teesside University Library, celebrating the talent of alumni authors. The event offered book lovers and aspiring writers a unique opportunity to delve into the authors’ journeys and discover the inspirations behind their stories.
Richard Milward [Honorary Graduate, Doctor of Letters, 2013] has received great critical acclaim since publishing his debut novel, Apples, when he was just 22 years old. Since then, his surreal stories have been translated into nine different languages and adapted for the stage.
Jun
20
2024
In Conversation . . . Franc Roddam
In this episode of Teesside University’s In Conversation show, host Dr Mansoor Soomro chats with Teesside Honorary graduate and acclaimed film director, businessman, screenwriter, television producer and publisher, Franc Roddam. Franc is behind some of the most iconic pieces of British popular culture with his first feature film, Quadrophenia, which he directed and co-wrote in 1979, named by the New York Times as one of the 1000 best films ever made.
May
23
2024
Beyond the Book ... with Rachel Dove
The Beyond the Book series took place in the newly refurbished Teesside University Library, celebrating the talent of alumni authors. The event offered book lovers and aspiring writers a unique opportunity to delve into the authors’ journeys and discover the inspirations behind their stories.
Romantic fiction author Rachel Dove [MA Creative Writing, 2019] has received various accolades for the 20 books she has written to date, including The Chic Boutique on Baker Street and Second Chance Hotel. She previously won the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year Award.
May
09
2024
Supporters Celebration 2024
An evening event hosted by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor to celebrate the significant impact of scholarships, Alumni volunteering and the University’s Teesside Transformation Fund on our students and wider Teesside community. This year marked the inaugural celebration of the Teesside University Alumni Volunteer Awards. A celebration joined by student scholars, alumni volunteers, friends and supporters of the University along with senior members of the University’s Executive Team.
Apr
11
2024
Beyond the Book ... with Lisette Auton
The Beyond the Book series took place in the newly refurbished Teesside University Library, celebrating the talent of alumni authors. The event offered book lovers and aspiring writers a unique opportunity to delve into the authors’ journeys and discover the inspirations behind their stories.
As an author, playwright, poet, spoken word artist, filmmaker and performer, Lisette Auton [MSc Youth Work & Community Development, 2016] is a master with words. The disabled and neurodivergent author is known for children’s books The Secret of Haven Point and The Stickleback Catchers.
Mar
22
2024
Beyond the Book ... with Adele Parks
Honorary Graduate Adele Parks MBE led an inspiring workshop offering a behind-the-scenes look at her storytelling process, along with valuable tips for aspiring authors. The morning session brought together alumni, staff, external creatives for a lively and imaginative experience that sparked plenty of innovative energy.
Mar
07
2024
Beyond the Book ... with Jenna Warren
The Beyond the Book series took place in the newly refurbished Teesside University Library, celebrating the talent of alumni authors. The event offered book lovers and aspiring writers a unique opportunity to delve into the authors’ journeys and discover the inspirations behind their stories.
Jenna Warren [MA Creative Writing, 2008] published her debut contemporary fiction novel, The Moon and Stars, in 2022. In the same year, her bookshop in Saltburn was named one of the top ten best independent bookshops in the country by The Guardian.
Mar
05
2024
In Conversation . . . Rob Smedley
In this episode of Teesside University’s In Conversation show, host Dr Mansoor Soomro chats with Teesside Honorary graduate and motorsport engineering supremo, Rob Smedley. Hear fascinating insights about F1 and carting, advanced technology entrepreneurship and striving for diversity in a typically male dominated world.
Jan
25
2024
In Conversation . . . Savannah Marshall
Sport Science Graduate Savannah Marshall returned to Teesside to talk about her career, an inspiring evening of grit, determination, and insight from one of boxing's fiercest champions.
Dec
04
2023
In Conversation . . . Marek Reichman
Hosted at Teesside University's new London campus, Honorary Graduate Marek Reichman talked about his role as Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin Lagonda. It was an extraordinary glimpse into the creative mind behind some of the world's most iconic automotive designs.
May
10
2023
Scholarship Celebration 2023
An evening event hosted by the Vice-Chancellor to celebrate the significant impact of scholarships and the University’s Teesside Transformation Fund on our students and wider Teesside community. A celebration joined by student scholars, alumni, friends and supporters of the University along with senior members of the University’s Executive Team.
Mar
07
2023
In conversation . . . Adele Parks
Born in North Yorkshire Adele’s first novel - Playing Away - was published in 2000 and since then she has published 22 bestselling novels in 22 years, including the number one bestsellers Lies Lies Lies and Just My Luck. Over 4 million copies of Adele’s UK editions have been sold and she’s translated into 31 different languages.
In 2009 Adele was awarded an honorary doctorate of Letters from Teesside University and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2022 for Services to Literature.
Feb
02
2023
In conversation . . . Dominic Carter
Dom Carter is Publisher of The Sun, the biggest popular news brand in the UK and the fastest growing digital news brand in the US. He was also named Champion of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards last year, recognising his work encouraging action that will promote and increase social mobility.
The Sun is the #1 newsbrand in the UK, reaching more than 30 million readers each month across all its digital and print platforms. The Sun is famous for its campaigning journalism, celebrating heroes across society and giving voice to the voiceless. Working with editor-in-chief Victoria Newton, Dominic is focused on developing The Sun’s audience, products and revenues to their full potential as the brand embraces new social and video opportunities.
Dom doesn’t like to admit it but he has worked in the media for over 30 years in a variety of commercial and leadership roles and has been at the forefront of media transformation, as new technologies have impacted on where, when and how we all consume our news, information and entertainment.
Jan
25
2023
In conversation . . . Rory Underwood
Famed for his international rugby career, Rory Underwood holds the record of 49 tries for England and won seven caps for the British Lions touring Australia in 1989 and New Zealand in 1993. Rory started his rugby career at Middlesbrough RUFC, played first class rugby at Leicester Tigers for 14 years and was awarded an MBE in 1992 for services to rugby. He joined the Board of Leicester Tigers as a non-executive Director in November 2007.
Rory amassed 3,000 hours flying as a pilot during 18 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF). During his RAF career he was responsible for introducing crew resources management training.
In 2022 Rory was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Teesside University.
Jun
25
2022
Alumni Reunion 2022
This special reunion welcomed members of Teesside University's alumni community back onto campus along with internationally renowned mountaineer and honorary graduate Alan Hinkes OBE as the University celebrated its 30th anniversary. Attendees enjoyed tours to see how the TU campus has developed over the years and networked with fellow graduates.